Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15ACH6 (82K202CRAX) Review: A Budget Gaming Contender?

The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15ACH6 (82K202CRAX) promises a compelling blend of performance and affordability. This review dives deep into its capabilities, exploring its strengths and weaknesses after several weeks of intensive testing. We’ll cover everything from everyday usage to its gaming prowess to determine whether it lives up to its potential.

The IdeaPad Gaming 3 15ACH6 boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display with an anti-glare coating. This proved surprisingly bright and vibrant for its price point, making it enjoyable for both gaming and media consumption. The anti-glare coating is a definite plus, minimizing reflections and eye strain during longer sessions. The keyboard is comfortable for extended typing, and the trackpad is responsive, although a dedicated gaming mouse is still recommended for optimal control.

The inclusion of an AMD Ryzen 5-5500H processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and decent performance for everyday tasks. The 512GB SSD provides ample storage space for games and applications, resulting in fast boot times and quick application loading. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card, although entry-level, handles many modern games at acceptable settings, especially at lower resolutions. The inclusion of multiple USB ports and an SD card slot adds versatility, something often lacking in more budget-friendly laptops.

Specification Value
Processor Speed 3.3 GHz
RAM Size 8 GB
Internal Memory 512 GB
Screen Size 15.6 in
Display Resolution 1920×1080
Colour Name Shadow Black
Keyboard Language English/Arabic
Graphics Processor Version NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
Display Type LED
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Connection Type HDMI
Average Battery Life 10 Hours
Storage Type SSD
Operating System Version Windows 11 Home
Operating System Windows
Usage Type Gaming
Model Series Lenovo IdeaPad
Processor Version Number/Generation 5th Gen
Number of Cores Quad Core
RAM Type DDR4
External Graphics Graphic Card
Processor Version AMD Ryzen 5 5500H
Graphic Memory 4 GB
Model Number 82K202CRAX
Model Name IdeaPad Gaming 3
HDMI Output Yes
Number of USB Ports 4
SD Card Slot Yes
Number of HDMI Ports 1

In terms of performance, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 (82K202CRAX) exceeded expectations for its price range. The Ryzen 5 5500H handled everyday tasks with ease, including multitasking between several applications. Gaming performance was also satisfactory, with many AAA titles playable at medium to high settings at 1080p. While frame rates didn’t always hit the highest levels, the experience remained smooth and enjoyable. Battery life, claimed to be 10 hours, realistically fell to around 6-7 hours under heavy use, which is still respectable for a gaming laptop. The system remained relatively cool even during intense gaming sessions, though the fans can be a little noisy at times.

I ran several benchmarks, and the results were in line with similar laptops in this price bracket. The SSD significantly improved load times, which is a huge plus for gaming. I also tested the laptop’s capabilities in various software applications and found the performance to be reliable and fast.

Pros:

  • Excellent value for money.
  • Smooth and responsive performance for everyday use.
  • Decent gaming performance at 1080p.
  • Bright and vibrant display with anti-glare coating.
  • Fast SSD storage.

Cons:

  • Battery life could be better under heavy load.
  • Fans can get noisy during intensive gaming.
  • Entry-level graphics card limits high-setting gaming at higher resolutions.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15ACH6 (82K202CRAX) provides a strong value proposition for budget-conscious gamers. While it doesn’t match the performance of high-end gaming laptops, it delivers a surprisingly enjoyable gaming experience and handles everyday tasks with aplomb. Its fast storage, vibrant display, and comfortable keyboard make it a solid choice for students and casual gamers alike. If you’re looking for a balance of performance and affordability, this laptop is definitely worth considering. I would happily recommend it.